NEWS

Sunnybrook development height to be negotiated down: councillor

Councillor Jon Burnside says city staff may agree to the Sunnybrook development being higher than a midrise, but his own position remains to be seen.
EXPECTING DEAL: Councillor Jon Burnside says city staff may agree to the Sunnybrook development being higher than midrise, but his own position remains to be seen.

The developer behind the application to replace Sunnybrook Plaza with a pair of mixed-use condominium towers is eager to negotiate a final height for the project before its upcoming Ontario Municipal Board hearing, Ward 26 Councillor Jon Burnside says.

Local residents have been uneasy about the 660 Eglinton Ave. E. project setting a precedent for the area. But the good news is the two towers will likely be under the 19 and 13 storeys in the most recent application, Burnside says.

However, both towers will likely exceed their preferred mid-rise height of nine storeys, he adds.

“My understanding is that RioCan is eager to come up with a deal. So they’re looking at something that’s going to be less than 19 for sure,” Burnside tells the Town Crier. “But it’s a question of how much less. And whether it will be low enough that everyone will be happy.”

“City staff have sort of conceded the point that it’s going to be larger than midrise,” he says, He notes his own position “remains to be seen.”

A key issue for city staff is shadowing, Burnside says. To minimize shadows, the roof’s angle must be 45 degrees.

The Leaside Property Owners’ Association and nearby residents have set up a crowdfunding page to secure a lawyer and planning expert for the projected OMB hearing. They continue to advocate for a midrise development at 660 Eglinton Ave. E.

On July 12, city council voted to send a a solicitor to the upcoming hearing. It is to occur over a three-week period beginning on Nov. 21.

A prehearing took place on July 26. As of this writing results had not been posted on the OMB’s website.

RioCan did not respond to requests for comment.